Highlights from the 2024 ESPY Awards After Serena Williams Hosts and Prince Harry Is Honored

For one night only, athletes from across every sport gathered to celebrate incredible feats and remarkable moments at the 2024 ESPY Awards held at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. The event was hosted by tennis legend Serena Williams, who was joined by celebrities like Jennifer Garner, Quinta Brunson, Lindsey Vonn, Drew Brees, and her sister Venus Williams to both roast and honor the athletes of the year.

WNBA rookie star Caitlin Clark led the nominations and took home the awards for best women’s athlete, college sports, and best breakthrough athlete. NFL star Patrick Mahomes also emerged as a big winner, securing the titles for best NFL player and best athlete in men’s sports. A’ja Wilson shined as well, winning best WNBA player and best athlete in women’s sports.

The ESPYS received a royal touch with the presence of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. Prince Harry was honored with the Pat Tillman Award for Service for his impactful work in the veteran community through the Invictus Games.

The South Carolina Gamecocks, fresh off their NCAA women’s basketball tournament victory, were named the best team at the 2024 ESPY Awards. This accolade placed them above renowned teams like the Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs, Michigan football, UConn men’s basketball, Oklahoma Sooners baseball, the Boston Celtics, the Florida Panthers, and the Texas Rangers.

Gamecocks head coach Dawn Staley received the Jimmy V Award for Perseverance for her significant contributions to women’s sports and her advocacy for cancer research. Staley’s personal connection to cancer, with her sister’s leukemia diagnosis and the loss of a close friend to breast cancer, added depth to her emotional acceptance speech.